‘Secrets of Pro Wrestling,’ Wizard Spotlights, ‘Wizard School’ and Costume Contests Also On Tap For March 18-20 at Direct Energy Centre

TORONTO, March 8, 2011 – Wizard World Toronto Comic Con today announced its diverse programming schedule, featuring unique celebrity Q&A’s, parades, artist schools and more for the event, set for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 18-20 at the Direct Energy Centre.

Some of the highlights include:
Rare Q&A panels with Scott Thompson and Julie Benz, as well as popular Comic Con guest Billy Dee Williams
“Battlestar Galactica” panels featuring stars Aaron Douglas and Kate Vernon
STAR WARS sessions with Ray Park (Darth Maul), Daniel Logan (Boba Fett), Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker), Peter Mayhew (original Chewbacca) and Jeremy Bulloch (original Boba Fett)
“Buffyfest” Q&As with Nicholas Brendon, Clare Kramer, Mercedes McNab and Mark Metcalf
Troopers, knights, Ghostbusters and other groups take over the Direct Energy Centre floor with a parade of fan groups
Wizard Art School and Q&A’s featuring leading artists like Mitch Breitweiser, Michael Golden, Bill Sienkiewicz, Mike Grell, Phil Jimenez, Greg Horn and others
The popular adult costume contest and fun kids costume contest with great prizes
Toronto Comic Con programming will take place in Room A and Room B at the Direct Energy Centre, and is included with admission to the event. Seating for panels is strictly limited and available on a first come first serve basis and each room will be cleared between panels. The full schedule is below, as well as linked at http://www.wizardworld.com/programming-toronto.html:

Friday

5:00-5:45PM
Exposed: Secrets Of Professional Wrestling
Ted DiBiase and Virgil give fans the low down on what’s real and what’s not in the world of professional wrestling. (Room B)

6:00-6:45PM
Aaron Douglas Q&A
Best known for his role on “Battlestar Galactica” as Chief Galen Tyrol, Douglas can now be seen on “Hellcats” on The CW, and here he answers all of your questions during this exclusive Wizard World Toronto Comic Con session. (Room A)

7:00-8:00PM
Constellation Awards Preview (room A)

Saturday

11:00-11:45AM
Claudia Christian Q&A
“Babylon 5” beauty Claudia Christian shares the secrets to her multi-faceted success, and previews a sneak peek of her new Showtime series “Look.” (Room A)

12:00-12:45AM
Julie Benz Q&A
As a star of hit shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Dexter” and “No Ordinary Family,” Benz talks to fans about her extensive career, ups and downs in the industry and her thoughts on the new generation of sci-fi and fantasy on television. (Room A)

Francis Manapul Q&A
Francis Manapul (The Flash) gives his advice on the do’s and don’ts of the trade to new creators interested in becoming professional comic artists. (Room B)

Who Wants To Be On A Reality Show?! Hosted by Jarrett “The Defuser” Crippen
Have you ever wanted to be on a reality show? Are you curious as to what the producers are looking for? Come get inside tips about reality shows and what it takes to win from the winner of Stan Lee’s “Who Wants to be a Superhero?” Season II. The Defuser (Jarrett Crippen) will talk about and answer questions regarding the audition process, competition, living conditions and other topics related to his show and reality shows in general. (Room B)

2:00-2:45PM
Buffyfest Q&A With Nicholas Brendon
Buffy’s Xander Harris sits down to take fan questions about life during and after the pop culture phenomenon. (Room A)

3:00-3:15PM
Groups Of The Con Parade
Join troopers, knights, Ghostbusters and more, as they parade around the convention floor.

3:00-3:45PM
Peter Mayhew And Jeremy Bulloch Q&A
The original Chewbacca and Boba Fett take fan questions and discuss their thoughts on the evolution of one of the highest grossing film franchises in history. (Room A)

The Hulk Q&A With Jeff Parker And Dale Keown
Two of the minds behind The Hulk team up to discuss the writing and sketching processes behind one of comics’ most popular franchises. (Room B)

4:00-4:45PM
Jake Lloyd And Daniel Logan Q&A
As the newest and youngest generation of Star Wars icons, Lloyd and Logan discuss their roles as Anakin Skywalker and Boba Fett, and what it was like being the child stars on set. (Room A)

Storytelling With Michael Golden
No matter if you’re a writer, artist or a reader of comics, come for this sit-down with one of the most renowned storytellers in the business, Michael Golden, as he tells you a few tricks of the trade that will help you no matter what type of story you tell or enjoy, in whatever medium. It’s a rare opportunity to talk with the co-creator of X-Men Rogue, and groundbreaking penciler on such projects as Bucky O’Hare, The ’Nam, Micronauts, G.I. Joe, and much more. (Room B)

5:00-5:45PM
Behind The Scenes Of “Danny Husk: The Hollow Planet”
Scott Thompson (“The Kids in the Hall”) will take you behind the scenes and into the pages of his newest Frozen Beach graphic novel “Danny Husk: The Hollow Planet.” At the Q&A panel, several lucky attendees will win an autographed copy of “Danny Husk: The Hollow Planet,” the signed CGC preview of the OGN and a CGC certified autographed photo of Scott Thompson. (Room A)

6:00-6:30PM
Kid’s Costume Contest
Bring any kids 10 and under for this special event with great prizes just for families and the youngsters. (Room A)

6:30-8:30PM
Costume Contest: Sponsored By Warner Bros. “Sucker Punch”
Here’s your chance to witness some of the craziest outfits you’ll see this weekend, and catch a sneak preview of Warner Bros. new film “Sucker Punch.” There will be a special “Sucker Punch” category, so get your best costumes together for a chance at a special prize. (Room A)

Sunday

12:00-12:45PM
Battlestar Galactica Q&A With Kate Vernon And Aaron Douglas
Vernon and Douglas talk about their roles as Ellen Tigh and Chief Galen Tyrol, and share what went on behind-the-scenes on the set of the popular sci-fi series “Battle Star Galactica.” (Room A)

Between The Lines With Mike Grell
The legendary comic icon behind classic Legion of Super-Heroes Tales and Warlord talks about his tips of the trade and shares his secrets from making it in comics. (Room B)

1:00-1:45PM
Chandler Riggs Q&A With Walking Dead Preview
AMC’s ambitious horror series, based on Robert Kirkman’s ultra-hot zombie series from Image, now comes to life from director Frank Darabont (“The Green Mile”)! Check out this amazing preview of behind-the-scenes footage and extended clips along with a Q&A with Chandler Riggs. (Room A)

Buffyfest Q&A With Mercedes Mcnab, Clare Kramer And Mark Metcalf
Join “Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s” Harmony, Glory and The Master, as they discuss their days on the hit TV show. (Room B)

2:00-2:45PM
Ray Park Q&A
The “X-Men” and “Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace” star engages fans in this one-of-a-kind Q&A, where he discusses his extensive film biography and his evolution to genre icon. (Room A)

Phil Jimenez: Breaking Into Comics
Have your questions ready because School of Visual Arts instructor and comic pro Phil Jimenez is ready to give fans an interactive tutorial on everything you need to know to draw comics. (Room B)

3:00-3:15PM
Groups Of The Con Parade
Join troopers, knights, Ghostbusters and more, as they parade around the convention floor.

Comic Con Costuming With The Rebel Legion
The Rebel Legion costuming group shares their tips, skills and ideas on how to build and improve your comic con costumes. Whether you’re a Jedi, Rebel Pilot, Trooper, or Princess, they will share their knowledge on how to make sure your costume is the best. (Room B)

Toronto Comic Con is the third stop on Wizard’s 2011 North American tour, which to date has 13 events scheduled. Hours are Friday, March 18, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday, March 20, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online at www.wizardworld.com/toronto.html at up to a 40% savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are $25 ($35 on site); three-day weekend tickets are $45 ($55 on site), and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available.

The Direct Energy Centre is located at Exhibition Place in Toronto. It is Canada’s largest facility for conventions, exhibitions and events. Exhibition Place, a 192 acre waterfront campus located in downtown Toronto, is home to a variety of venues including Direct Energy Centre, Allstream Centre, Better Living Centre and the Queen Elizabeth building among various other tenant properties.

About Wizard World, Inc.
In addition to the new online publication Wizard World, the company Wizard World, Inc. (the “Company”) is a producer of Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America. These events feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists, writers and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, exhibitors, retailers, panels, and costume contests. The Company began its 2011 Comic Con Tour in New Orleans in January 2011, and has scheduled 12 other Comic Cons in 2011 in large cities such as Anaheim, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Austin, and Boston.

For the most recent event information please visit www.wizardworld.com and become a Toronto Comic Con Fan on Facebook.